Blood

Reya’s POV

The sun had barely risen, casting a golden hue over the training grounds, yet the entire pack had gathered. Whispers rippled through the crowd, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. 

I stood at the center, heart pounding, memories of past betrayals and newfound strength intertwining within me. Beside me, Xander exuded calm authority, his presence a steady anchor amidst the storm of emotions. 

Kneel."

Xander’s voice cut like a blade through the murmurs of the pack. We stood in the heart of Moon Crest territory, warriors circling the stone altar. The moon bled crimson overhead, the night pregnant with power.

I dropped to one knee without hesitation.

I stopped at the altar.

Xander's voice rang out, low and cold. "Reya of the Riverdale, step forward. Do you swear loyalty to the Lycan King Xander?"

"I met his gaze. "I do."

He held out the ceremonial dagger. "By blood."

I didn't hesitate. I took it. Slashed my palm. Let the blood drip onto the altar.

"I gave him a blood oath," someone whispered. "She’s his weapon now."

The silence was electric. Then, chaos.

Beta David stepped forward. "You said she was temporary, Xander. A means to an end. Now she's bound by blood?"

"She chose this," Xander replied coolly. "And I accepted. Question it again and you can join the rogues."

The whispers grew louder.

"She’s not one of us." "She was Riverdale." "What the hell is he doing?"

Xander ignored them. Of course he did. He never cared about noise. Only loyalty. Power. Purpose.

He stepped in front of me, obsidian dagger in hand.

"Speak your vow."

I looked up at him. Calm. Cold. Certain.

"I, Reya of ash and ruin, swear loyalty to Alpha Xander of Moon Crest ."

Gasps.

"My blood is yours. My strength is yours. My vengeance... is yours."

The dagger slid across my palm. Clean. Burning. Red.

I held it out.

Xander cut his own palm. Our blood met over the altar stone, hissing where it touched the carved sigils. Ancient magic flared, a shockwave of heat rippling through the circle.

Some warriors staggered.

Others fell to their knees.

A binding stronger than flesh. Older than oaths.

"With this blood," Xander said, his voice echoing unnaturally, "you are mine."

"And I, yours."

The fire sealed the pact. The bond locked in place.

No turning back.

Silence hung, heavy.

Then a single voice from the back. "Traitor."

I turned, my voice like steel. "Say that again."

A young soldier stepped forward, eyes blazing. "You abandon your pack for a man who will burn us all?"

Xander didn’t move.

I did.

In two strides I was in front of him. He raised his blade. Too slow. I disarmed him, kicked his knees, and pressed my still-bleeding palm to his throat.

"Riverdale left me for dead. Moon Crest gave me purpose."

He choked on air.

"You think loyalty is about where you're born? It’s about who bleeds beside you."

Xander smiled.

I released the soldier and stepped back.

"Anyone else want to test my loyalty?"

No one spoke.

Xander stepped beside me. "This is the new order. Those who swear, thrive. Those who doubt, fall."

The crowd parted. Fear. Respect. Awe.

He leaned close, just enough for only me to hear. "You were always meant for war, Reya. Now you’re mine to unleash."

I didn’t flinch. "Then point me at your enemies."

He lifted my arm, blood still dripping.

"Behold. My weapon."

And the crowd cheered. Reluctantly. Uneasily. But they cheered.

Behind my mask of calm, my heart thundered.

This wasn’t just an oath. It was a declaration.

To Tristan. To Chloe. To the ghosts of everything I lost.

Reya was dead.

This woman—this blade of vengeance bound in blood—was all that remained.

And the war had only just begun.

Xander turned to the pack, his voice resonant. "Reya is no longer just a warrior. She is my right hand, my weapon, and together, we will lead this pack to greatness." 

The crowd stood in stunned silence, the weight of the moment settling over them. 

As the ceremony concluded, Xander leaned in, his voice low. "Welcome to the beginning of a new era."